The Busan Metropolitan Government is launching a new employment-linked internship program aimed at resolving job mismatches among young people.
The city announced on January 15 that it will implement the "Busan Youth Job Matching Internship Program." With the threshold for young people entering their first jobs rising due to structural changes such as expanded rolling and experienced-hire recruitment, the program focuses on eliminating mismatches between job seekers and employers through customized matching based on corporate demand.
The program provides unemployed youth with hands-on work experience in corporate settings, linking internships to full-time conversion and continued employment. A key feature is the institutionalization of a structure that leads beyond simple experiential programs to actual hiring.
Eligible participants include unemployed youth aged 39 or younger residing in Busan and local small and medium-sized enterprises with five or more regular employees. Companies must hire interns with the premise of full-time conversion. The city plans to enhance matching quality by prioritizing companies that are highly preferred by young people. In particular, companies selected as "Youth-Attractive Companies" will receive additional points during the screening process.
The internship subsidy is 1.5 million won per month per intern for up to three months, totaling 4.5 million won ($3,300). The city aims to provide field experience and employment opportunities to 150 young people this year. Participating youth will also receive post-placement support including onboarding training, mentoring, and counseling services to facilitate organizational adaptation and long-term retention.
Companies wishing to participate can apply online through the Busan Jobs Information Network and the Busan Employers Federation website from January 15 until 6 p.m. on January 30.
"This program connects young people with opportunities to build their first careers while providing companies with talent that can drive growth," a city official said. "We will continue to expand effective employment policies so that young people can settle in the region."
